Review: Circolombia ‘Acéléré'

Circolombia presents ‘Acéléré’, a lively immersion of urban dance, concert performance and contemporary circus in an event which illuminates and celebrates Colombian culture. With obvious chemistry on display, the troupe weave together a series of vignettes into a compelling showcase of rope-work, swing trapeze, teeterboard and acrobatics.

Acéléré is elevated by some clever choices in costume, lighting and choreography. The performers are dressed in muted urban wear, mostly greys with the occasional red accents, which subverts audience expectations about Colombian dress. This allows the physical performances to take centre stage. This refreshingly understated approach is complemented by the intimacy of the venue and simplicity of the staging.

A highlight is a circular frame routine, which mixes a whimsical narrative of a mirror-bound lover from another realm with an original and physically impressive feat of balance. Despite some looseness in the routine, it is a touching and memorable set-piece. However, if there is a larger narrative thread which ties the acts together, it is lost in translation. But there is more than enough here to surprise and enthral.